Austria:Vienna

Sofitel Stephansdom | MidGood location, rooms are all-grey or all-white with nice layouts, and breakfast is pretty awesome on the top floor overlooking downtown Vienna. I've tried the spa a few times and have been reasonably happy with the outcome. Service has been really good most of the times I've stayed there. It's an easy walk from the airport train (CAT) station, too. [last visited: 2011]

France:Paris

Hyatt Paris Madeleine | MidService levels are high, but the cramped room I had last time was not on par with expectations. Still, a good mid-level Hyatt property. The Park Hyatt Vendôme is fairly close by and I really recommend their »Le Pur'« restaurant. Great food, awesome service. [last visited: 2012]

Germany:Frankfurt

Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Squaire| MidBeing an airport hotel, this one is really quite good. New, fairly stylish and airy design. Takes a while to find sometimes, though. The Lufthansa First Class Terminal is within easy walking distance. [last visited: 2013]

Hamburg

Sofitel Alter-Wall| Top/MidSofitel often runs with non-conservative designs of their rooms, and this is no exception. I really do quite like this property and the surf 'n' turf served at the restaurant was incredibly great last time I tried it. It's close to the downtown shopping areas and the Park Hyatt (went there to get a spa treatment once while staying at the Sofitel). [last visited: 2010]

THE Netherlands:Amsterdam

Andaz Prinsengracht| Top/Mid | ReviewLovely place, opened late 2012. Quirky and nice interior design, small boutique-sized property with informal, friendly and attentive service. Great location right next to the Leidseplein area. [last visited: 2013]

Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel| MidNice airport hotel. Easy to get in and out of Amsterdam using the commuter trains and it's equally easy to get to the RAI (Amsterdam's giant conference center). The club lounge is tiny but not bad. And I love strolling over to the airport terminal, watching the tarmac action form the Schiphol observation deck as the sun is about to set. Really nice way to unwind. [last visited: 2012]

Norway:Svalbard

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel| BasicLocation, location, location. It's not a luxury place by any means, but that's not why you're there. Being in Longyearbyen is an amazing experience all by itself and this hotel serves its purpose well. Interestingly enough, if you happen to be Club Carlson Gold, they do get you a really decent in-room amenity, way better than the ones I've had at other Radisson properties in Norway. Also, be sure to book a table at »Huset«, a stunningly upscale restaurant in the middle of nowhere. And look out for polar bears. [last visited: 2013]

Switerzland:Zurich

Radisson Blu, Zurich Airport(Mid)Pretty decent airport hotel, accessible via a three minute stroll from the Zurich airport through underground walkways. Sporting a fancy wine cellar/glass tower. Bonus – If you get yourself a room facing the airport tarmac, you'll be able to take a shower while watching aircraft movements. [last visited: 2013]

UK:London

Andaz Liverpool Street London | MidA nice East London property, mostly surrounded by office blocks but nice nonetheless. Easy to get to from the underground. Service is informal and friendly as with most Andaz hotels. [last visited: 2013]

The Grand At Trafalgar Square| BasicIf you're in town for business, this is a pretty good choice. No fuss, breakfast is sub-par, but the location is decent and everything is switft and easy. There's a nice mini-lounge area a few stairs up, perfect for quick meetings. [last visited: 2014]

Shangri-La At The Shard| TopViews are great, especially from the corner bathrooms. Having a late night bath in the dark is really quite something. Service is a bit hit or miss as per late 2014, but it's still my favorite London hotel. [last visited: 2014]